Just 24 hours after being sensationally axed by Dynamos, Genesis Mangombe has reportedly made a swift return to football coaching, with sources indicating he has signed a deal to rejoin his former club, Triangle United.
Mangombe’s departure from Dynamos came amid a storm of controversy.
He was suspended yesterday alongside his entire technical team following a litany of serious misconduct allegations, which reportedly include match-fixing, the forced use of ritual charms (juju), and gross insubordination.
However, rather than staying to contest the allegations in the capital, it appears Mangombe had already laid the groundwork for his next move.
Sources close to the developments reveal that negotiations with the Lowveld-based club had been brewing for some time.
"For some days, he knew that he was no longer wanted at Dynamos," a close source confided to this publication. "Talks started some weeks ago when it became clear that his services were longer wanted."
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While official comment from both Mangombe and Triangle United could not be obtained, the coach is believed to already be in the Lowveld.
An official announcement is expected imminently to allow him to take the reins ahead of a crucial fixture against Caps United this weekend.
"The club is just waiting for him to finalize his situation with Dynamos before they can make an official announcement," another source added.
The appointment marks Mangombe’s second stint with the Sugar Boys, a club where he remains highly revered.
He previously guided them away from relegation last season and masterminded a run to the Chibuku Super Cup final, where they were narrowly defeated by Dynamos.
Mangombe is set to succeed the fired Lloyd Chitembwe, becoming the latest coach tasked with arresting a severe slide in fortunes.
Former TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa had previously been touted as the frontrunner for the vacancy, with negotiations understood to have been near completion before Mangombe’s sudden availability completely altered Triangle’s plans.
The mandate for the returning coach is clear yet daunting.
He has been tasked to rescue the club from the drop.
Triangle currently languish at the bottom of the log standings, having amassed a paltry 10 points from 19 matches.
It has been a turbulent campaign for the club, who have already rotated through coaches at an alarming rate, with both Thomas Ruzive and Chitembwe dismissed in a desperate bid to find a winning formula.
Mangombe will have no time to ease into the role. His baptism of fire begins on Saturday with a formidable fixture against fourth-placed, title-chasing Caps United.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday 20 fixtures
Friday: Scottland v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro).
Saturday: Simba Bhora v TelOne (Wadzanayi), Chicken Inn v Hardrock (Luveve), Zpc Kariba v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Nyamhunga), Fc Platinum v Hunters (Mandava), Mwos v Highlanders (Ngoni), Caps United v Triangle (Rufaro).
Sunday: Agama v Herentals (Wadzanayi), Dynamos v Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro).